SCR-10, As Adopted by Senate, June 5, 2007

            Senators Barcia, Garcia, Gleason, Stamas, Cherry, Kahn, Anderson and Birkholz offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide funding for the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative.

            Whereas, Communities surrounding Saginaw Bay face significant environmental and economic challenges. Saginaw Bay is one of the most polluted areas in the Great Lakes. Historic and ongoing inputs of excessive nutrients, toxic contaminants, and overabundant sediments exacerbated by low water levels have led to the proliferation of undesirable nuisance plants and algae, degradation of shoreline areas, loss of fishery habitat, and impairment of fish and wildlife populations; and

            Whereas, Saginaw Bay remains a vital resource for about 500,000 residents who use its waters and shoreline for recreation, drinking water, and other activities. The public health and safety of these residents and the economic vitality of local communities are threatened by the ongoing environmental problems facing Saginaw Bay. Increased coordination and partnerships with local leaders and citizens directly affected by Saginaw Bay's health are needed to restore the bay and realize its full potential as a vibrant coastal area; and

            Whereas, The Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative (SBCI) will support innovative regional approaches for enhancing resource protection, improving environmental quality, and expanding local tourism and economic development within the Saginaw Bay coastal area. With appropriate funding, the initiative will create new partnerships among federal, state, and local groups and enhance local participation and responsibility in resolving environmental and economic challenges and determining the future of Saginaw Bay; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide funding for the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.